Nematode Management in Turfgrass Systems

Summary

Investigations into nematode management options in turfgrass systems were continued with some realized implications.

Situation

Approximately 85% (42,500 acres) of the turfgrass sod produced in Georgia is grown on soils which are susceptible to nematode infestations and across all areas of turfgrass management (sod, golf course, etc) nematodes are estimated to be responsible for $51 million in damage annually. Nematodes can be marginally controlled by cultural turfgrass management techniques, however, there are limitations and chemical control is necessary. With the pending loss of Nemacur as a nematode control strategy, turf managers have limited options for controlling plant parasitic nematodes.

Response

Trials were conducted with Telone II (1,3-dichloropropene) and an experimental biological nematicide to refine the effective rates for optimal nematode control in sod production and general turfgrass management.

Impact

These trials have shown that when nematode populations in conducive soils exceed damaging threshold levels, an application of Telone II can reduce the amount of scrap, therefore, increasing the amount harvested grass. These results indicate that if nematode infested soils were treated, there could be a potential increase of 5,700 ft2 of harvestable sod per acre, translating to a net revenue increase of $731 per acre. The results of this work have contributed to the annual Georgia Turfgrass Pest Control Recommendations. Unfortunately, the results of our trials on a biological nematicide have not been encouraging. Further work will continue to look at an integrated approach to turfgrass nematode management.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2006
• Geographic Scope: Multi-State/Regional
• County: Spalding
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources